Film Preview – December 2018 Films

The final month of the year December has finally arrived. This time of the year film sites like ourselves, cinephiles worldwide start reflecting on the year that’s just passed. We will sometime this month, for now, we want to preview what’s ahead for film fans with this month’s releases.

This is once again new stomping ground for us and whilst similar posts will concentrate on cinematic releases. We will but we’re going to along with what Netflix has to offer too. Off course is meant to be a most wonderful time of the year with Christmas only just over 3 weeks away. Surprisingly there is no Christmas only themed films out this month. You will find your local cinemas It’s A Wonderful Life, Die Hard, Home Alone, A Muppet’s Christmas Carol, Elf, White Christmas, another seasonal classic playing.

This month will see DC Entertainment try again to kick-off their cinematic universe, A web-slinging superhero gets animated. There’s also a long-awaited sequel for Disney classic and a Hollywood legend’s swan song.

The Old Man & The Gun | 7th December

THE OLD MAN & THE GUN is based on the true story of Forrest Tucker (Robert Redford), from his audacious escape from San Quentin at the age of 70 to an unprecedented string of heists that confounded authorities and enchanted the public. Wrapped up in the pursuit are detective John Hunt (Casey Affleck), who becomes captivated with Forrest’s commitment to his craft, and a woman (Sissy Spacek), who loves him in spite of his chosen profession.
David Lowery has created himself a fantastic legacy of unique films since his Terrence Malick inspired Ain’t Them Bodies Saints back in 2013. If A Ghost Story put you off eating an extra slice of pie, his latest will charm you. Veteran actor Robert Redford has done it all in regards to film and what a charming and wonderful way to say goodbye too. [Read our Review]

Starring: Casey Affleck, Sissy Spacek, Tom Waits, Tika Sumpter, Danny Glover.

Sorry To Bother You | 7th December

In an alternate reality of present-day Oakland, Calif., telemarketer Cassius Green finds himself in a macabre universe after he discovers a magical key that leads to material glory. As Green’s career begins to take off, his friends and co-workers organize a protest against corporate oppression. Cassius soon falls under the spell of Steve Lift, a cocaine-snorting CEO who offers him a salary beyond his wildest dreams.
It’s been on our radar since Sundance Film Festival and a for while Boots Riley didn’t have a UK release up to recently. Now its time to watch this surreal film, think Southland Tales with a big slice of social satire which remarkably resonates here in the UK as well. Be a ‘power caller’ and leave your yourself and enjoy the ride.

starring: Lakieth Stanfield, Tessa Thompson, Armie Hammer, Terry Crews, Steven Yeun, Omari Hardwick, Danny Glover

Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse | 12th December

Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the creative minds behind The Lego Movie and 21 Jump Street, bring their unique talents to a fresh vision of a different Spider-Man Universe, with a groundbreaking visual style that’s the first of its kind. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse introduces Brooklyn teen Miles Morales, and the limitless possibilities of the Spider-Verse, where more than one can wear the mask.

After a flurry of mediocre reboots what a great move to let Spider-Man enter MCU despite being part of Sony Pictures. Now we have had 2 films, 1 spin-off (Venom) now our hero gets animated but not Peter Parker, Teen Miles Morales. The trailer caught us by surprise, how visually striking they were. This one expands on the comic book universe where our hero can be found and we see Spidey’s origins told in several versions. Could Miles be our new Spidey after what happened in Infinity War?

Voice cast: Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Liev Schreiber, Mahershala Ali, Nic Cage

Aquaman | 12th December

From Warner Bros. Pictures and director, James Wan comes an action-packed adventure that spans the vast, visually breathtaking underwater world of the seven seas, “Aquaman,” starring Jason Momoa in the title role. The film reveals the origin story of half-human, half-Atlantean Arthur Curry and takes him on the journey of his lifetime—one that will not only force him to face who he really is but to discover if he is worthy of who he was born to be…a king.

How many films does it take to kick off DC Entertainments Cinematic Universe? It’s been a long time since Wonder Woman and since then there have been several DC films tried and failed. They need this one to work and if we go by the early reviews, Arthur Curry has done his job. We don’t usually praise these films but this one looks silly, fun and spectacular for IMAX!

Stars: Jason Momoa, Amber Heard, Nicole Kidman, Patrick Wilson, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II

Roma | Netflix – Limited Cinema | 14th December

The most personal project to date from Academy Award®-winning director and writer Alfonso Cuarón (Gravity, Children of Men, Y Tu Mama Tambien), ROMA follows Cleo (Yalitza Aparicio), a young domestic worker for a family in the middle-class neighbourhood of Roma in Mexico City. Delivering an artful love letter to the women who raised him, Cuarón draws on his own childhood to create a vivid and emotional portrait of domestic strife and social hierarchy amidst the political turmoil of the 1970s. Cuarón’s first project since the groundbreaking Gravity in 2013, ROMA will be available in theatres and on Netflix later this year.

Since Netflix tried to gain more critical even awards recognition and praise for their films, they have met with silence. Fast forward to 2018 and since its world premiere, the critical response has been extraordinary. The film is inspired by Alfonso Cuarón own childhood in Mexico, personal, emotional potential Oscar winner.

The House That Jack Built | 14th December

Lars von Trier returns to the director’s chair to present the world with his most daring and provocative work to date, The House That Jack Built. This time the topic of discussion is violence and art, and violence as art. In a mesmerising career best, Matt Dillon plays failed architect turned serial killer Jack who leads us through his thought processes behind his increasingly more depraved acts of murder which he names “incidents”. As he retells his crimes to Verge (Bruno Ganz) as if they were all individual works of art in themselves, the audience is invited to question the nature of artistry, where its limits lie and when is far too far? And with pitch black humour and undeniable cinematic vision, von Trier delights in taking us there. As Jack says, “The greatest cathedrals have sublime artwork hidden in the darkest of corners for only God to see.”
“You’re pushing a Lars Von Trier film?!” We are however it’s one more of curiosity than we love all his films. Some folks do and we are always curious to see what master provocateur does next. He annoyed Cannes in every level with story of a seriel killer who sees his killing as a firm of art.

Starring: Matt Dillon, Bruno Ganz, Una Thurman

Bird Box | Netflix | 20th December

When a mysterious force decimates the world’s population, only one thing is certain: if you see it, you take your life. Facing the unknown, Malorie finds love, hope and a new beginning only for it to unravel. Now she must flee with her two children down a treacherous river to the one place left that may offer sanctuary. But to survive, they’ll have to undertake the perilous two-day journey blindfolded. Academy Award® winner Sandra Bullock leads an all-star cast that includes Trevante Rhodes, with Sarah Paulson, and John Malkovich in BIRD BOX, a compelling new thriller from Academy Award® winner Susanne Bier.

After the success of A Quiet Place, Bird Box which shares similar tropes grabbed our attention. Sandra Bullock is our heroine blindfolded trying to survive a post-apocalyptic nightmare, a genre we don’t usually expect her to star in. Enough said sign me up!

Starring: Sarah Paulson, Jackie Weaver, BD Wong, Rosa Salazar.

Mary Poppins Returns| 21st December

“Mary Poppins Returns” stars: Emily Blunt as the practically-perfect nanny with unique magical skills who can turn any task into an unforgettable, fantastic adventure; Lin-Manuel Miranda as her friend Jack, an optimistic street lamplighter who helps bring light—and life—to the streets of London; Ben Whishaw as Michael Banks; Emily Mortimer as Jane Banks; and Julie Walters as the Banks’ housekeeper Ellen; with Colin Firth as Fidelity Fiduciary Bank’s William Weatherall Wilkins; and Meryl Streep as Mary’s eccentric cousin, Topsy. The film also introduces three new Banks’ children played by Pixie Davies, Nathanael Saleh and newcomer Joel Dawson. Angela Lansbury appears as the Balloon Lady, a treasured character from the PL Travers books and Dick Van Dyke is Mr. Dawes Jr., the retired chairman of the bank now run by Firth’s character.

Need we say more? The clue is in the title, Mary Poppins! Nearly 55 years wait for a sequel, now we want to if the wait is “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”!

Starring: Emily Blunt, Emily Mortimer, Ben Whishaw, Colin Firth, Meryl Streep.Lin-Manuel Miranda

Above list of films os only an example what’s on offer in UK and Irish cinemas, what you see is down to you. There are several other films on offer and here the best of the rest…

Tulip Fever | 7th December | Watch Trailer

Starring Alicia Vikander in a period drama of poor girl forced to marry a rich and powerful merchant (Christoph Waltz) – an unhappy “arrangement” that saves her from poverty. Shame film received near 0% promotion in the UK

White Boy Rick | 7th December | Watch Trailer

Matthew McConaughey stars in a true story of a blue-collar father attempting to save his 16 year old son. However, his son would become police formant, drug dealer, youngest druglord.

Mortal Engines | 7th December | Watch Trailer

After an apocalyptic event, people live in cities, the giant cities ruthlessly preying upon smaller traction towns.

1985 | 20th December| Watch Trailer

An award-winning film from Yen Tan takes a unique look at a pivotal moment in American history through the prism of love and family ties. The Dark side of the decade and AIDS virus clashes with religion starring Corey Michael Smith (Gotham, First Man).

Bumblebee | 26th December | Watch Trailer

From 1985 to 1987, a Transformers film not directed by Michael Bay. A spin-off based on Optimus Prime’s lovable sidekick Bumblebee. Is it a spin-off or prequel? Could there be life left in the franchise?

Holmes And Watson | 26th December | Watch Trailer

The title gives you the biggest clue, what may win people is Will Ferrell and John C.Reilly play the titular characters. It will be like marmite.